Living Without Stress or Fear: Essential Teachings on the True Source of Happiness

A life without stress or fear may seem like an impossible dream-yet Thich Nhat Hanh has spent a lifetime proving not only is it possible, but it is also within our grasp. On Living Without Stress or Fear, this treasured Zen master shares a message of hope: that we can, through the practice of mindfulness, find freedom from the grip of emotions like anxiety, anger and despair "Suffering persists because we nourish the feelings that cause it," reveals Thich Nhat Hanh.

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Publisher's Summary

The Mindful Path to Freedom from the Emotions That Cause Suffering

A life without stress or fear may seem like an impossible dream-yet Thich Nhat Hanh has spent a lifetime proving that it is not only possible, it is also within our grasp. On Living Without Stress or Fear, this treasured Zen master shares a message of hope: that we can, through the practice of mindfulness, find freedom from the grip of emotions like anxiety, anger, and despair.

We do not find happiness by suppressing emotions like stress or fear. As Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, you can develop a capacity to deal with such emotions by building a sanctuary-your "true home"-in the present moment.

Through techniques such as "mindful breathing" and the "begin anew" practice, you purposefully expand your ability to dwell in a state of peaceful clarity, and develop the insight to see through to the underlying causes of negative emotions. By facing your inner darkness with awakened compassion, you can transform toxic energies within you-and radiate the energy of loving kindness to everyone around you.

Essential Teachings from a Legendary Voice for Peace

Thich Nhat Hanh has lived and taught the path of peace in the most challenging situations-carrying the light of compassion into places stricken by war, famine, and despair. Refined throughout a lifetime of mindfulness in action, he now shares his most transformative teachings and practices to guide you in your own journey to the source of happiness on Living Without Stress or Fear.

Seeds of happiness, seeds of suffering-how we choose which emotions to nourish with our attention

The four-pebble meditation for openness, clarity, and grounding

"No death and no birth, neither being nor non-being"-embracing the central paradox at the heart of fearless living

The role of community in supporting your practice

"We are all one organism"-perspective-shifting meditations on compassion

Practices for bringing mindfulness into your family and your relationships

Six sessions of Thich Nhat Hanh's core teachings and guided practices on mindfulness, compassion, and finding freedom from suffering

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Zen master in the Vietnamese tradition, scholar, poet, and peace activist who was nominated for the 1967 Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr. He is the author of more than 40 books in English, including Peace Is Every Step and Living Buddha, Living Christ.

I'll start by making clear that I am not someone who usually buys into self help publications. The new age appeal of the Law of Attraction leaves me cold and as for 'The Secret', well I better not say anymore. However I was drawn to this book because the author/ Monk was made known to me and I wanted to hear wisdom that had be truly passed down through the centuries via the Buddhist teachings, which I am completely ignorant of.

Thich Nhat Hahn is not reading from a manuscript here but delivering a talk on his knowledge of Mindfulness and how it applies to our lives. He has a very soft voice and at first I thought this was going to be a problem but after half an hour I was glad this was not presented by a professional reader. In his voice is the wisdom behind the words.

Also, the talk is broken up into six hour long segments which is perfect for those to need to ration their audio listening. This was perfect for me.

This is a book I will listen to several times as there so much that demands revisiting and on many occasions I found myself quite moved by the beauty of the message. This has been one of my best buys for sure.

This has to be, one of the singularly most calming and insightful things I've listened to thus far. Thich Nhat Hanh (a buddhist monk) speaks in an almost whispery voice to an audience who seem thoroughly spellbound by him, and that same atmosphere seems to seep from my device as I listen to it. It is also humourous in places, in a pleasantly uncontrived way, and this further adds to the appeal. I'm learning through listening to try to have my mind just in the present. A lot of wisdom spoken by a very wise man.

This was my first introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and tireless peace worker, in exile from his native Vietnam since 1996, now living in Plumb Village in southwestern France. As I often listen to my audio books on a night whilst drifting off to sleep this has been a first class choice for me and I listen to it often.

Thich Nhat Hahn is delivering a talk to an audience on his knowledge of Mindfulness and how it applies to our lives. I am so pleased he is the narrator rather than a professional speaker as I feel the content would definitely have been spoiled and we wouldn't feel the wisdom of his words in the same way. His delivery is excellent, his voice is so soft and soothing but he also adds humour, not overtly I must stress, and I often found myself chuckling.

I started practicing Mindfulness straight away and then bought his book, The Long Road Turns to Joy: A Guide to Walking Meditation, to help perfect my walking meditation. I cannot recommend either of these products highly enough and have a number of his other books on my wish list.

I had always lived a fast paced and stressful life and sometimes in these modern times, when everything is about getting things done as quickly as possible, we can find it hard to relax. There are a few keys to this, Mindfulness - just taking the time to think about things in the moment. Breathing, if you practice it, you will be truly amazed and Gratefulness.

Buy it, if you just take some calm and enjoyment from it that's good, but if you decide to follow Thich Nhat Hanh's direction you won't regret it.

I am so sorry to have to write this as I so wanted to enjoy this audiobook, the recording quality in places is so poor, I am straining to understand some of the dialogue, and it distracts from the content, I know it is meant to be calming but it made me frustrated.

I have several of Thay's books and have even had the opportunity to "be" at one of his retreats at Spirit Rock (Northern California) many years ago. I find this audio book to be soothing to my soul. Some words are difficult to discern but upon closer (and mindful) listening his message comes through clearly. I do find that I listen to the same sections more than once, not because I didn't understand, but because the wisdom is rich and the reminders to "stop" and relax, and smile resonate with me in the midst of my busy-ness. He implores us to be kind to ourselves and that if we are to have a peaceful world we must be at peace with our own bodies.

This lecture is obviously a recording of a retreat session. I felt as though I was having my own "space" and he makes meditation accessible sprinkled with loving humor ("you don't have to force yourself to sit in a lotus position - sit in the magnolia position").

I am cultivating calm each time I hear this recording.

May you be happy, may you be free from suffering, may you live with ease.

30 of 30 people found this review helpful

Shawn

Chicago, Israel

19/03/10

Overall

"Amazing Teacher"

Some people find a reason to complain about everything.. because they are not happy with themselves. Possibly such as the person who left the 1st review here.

I just downloaded this book so I haven't heard it yet but I have listened to several of his other books which are written I spoken by him.. The Art of Power & The Ultimate Universe.. both of which were great. Of those 2, I recommend the Art Of Power... the Ultimate Universe is more for folks a bit deeper into the path.

His English is fine & understandable.. it's better to hear his calming voice in the way he intends to communicate his words. I have listened to & read close to 100 book on zen, buddhism & spirituality & Tich Nhat Hanh is definitely on the top of the list.. He is a very soft hearted communicator with a vary feminine energy which is unique for a male Zen Master.. This is because he is like a walking orb of love & light. That's the best way to describe Tich Nhat Han. Many resonate with his teaching style for this reason. For some, a more aggressive approach is more helpful but I find it a wonderful compliment to other more aggressive zen teachings.

I'm exited to hear more of this amazing Teaches works.

May we each find our way back home..

Endless Bows to Tich Nhat Hanh,

Endless Bows to all beings*

42 of 46 people found this review helpful

Lisa

San Diego, CA, United States

09/06/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Challenge yourself to conquer Fear"

What did you love best about Living Without Stress or Fear?

I have been a Thich Nhat Hanh fan long before he was available on Audible. Many times his voice has helped me out of a sticky situation, almost always of my own creation. At first his accent may be difficult for some but I strongly urge you to sit back, relax and let his soothing voice wash over you. Soon you will be swept away with the simplicity of the exercises he teaches. From my personal experience they work in almost every mess you find yourself in. No matter how dark or hopeless your current situation may seem there is light if you only open your eyes, in this case your ears, and allow yourself to at least try. This man is such an exceptional teacher, life guide, inspiration I promise you there are simple practical things you can do IMMEDIATELY to turn the fear to power.

Who was your favorite character and why?

When he tells stories of people he has inspired I know I can do it too. My favorite is when he challenges me to connect with the five year old me. To remember my inner child is still there. This fills me with hope.

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice has the soothing touch of compassion. The sound of the bell vibrates through me .

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The simplicity of the meditative exercises I can do anywhere, anytime, for free, no restriction, no obstacle (beside for my obstinance). I listed to it over and over. Particularly when facing a personal challenge.

Any additional comments?

You don't have to live in fear.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Francisco

ORLANDO, FL, United States

07/08/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Good book once you get past his very heavy accent"

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, but hard to understand due to his accent.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the analogy of life with fire, water, earth, etc.

Did the narrator do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes

Did Living Without Stress or Fear inspire you to do anything?

Yes, focus on what I am doing at the moment instead of thinking of other things.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Juliette

Lower Hutt, New Zealand

16/08/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Hard to understand"

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I found his accent so thick I couldn't listen to the book unless I was in total silence which meant listening on the bus home was impossible.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointing that I couldn't hear what he was saying.

1 of 7 people found this review helpful

A

Belton, TX, United States

21/02/11

Overall

"Unintelligible"

The production values and sound quality is simply subpar. Very frustrating experience. Would NOT recommend.

5 of 26 people found this review helpful

Jeffrey

dallas, TX, USA

02/07/10

Overall

"Dissappointed"

I'm not going to trash this lecture because Thich Nhat Hanh is an excellent teacher, but as the other reviewer stated, he was virtually unintelligible. Get something written by him and narrated by someone else. I found a title called"No Death no Fear" and find it to be very good. Or better yet, just get something by Pema Chodron.

6 of 36 people found this review helpful

Julia

Woodhaven , NY, USA

16/02/10

Overall

"it sucks"

The english is completely intellegible. It should have been read by someone else that really speaks english.Boring... It is very repetitive and does not really help you with insides, but all it does is tell you stories and metaphores. A waste of my credit definately.

6 of 122 people found this review helpful

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